The power of smell

The power of smell

Arrhhh, Christmas is nearing and all those beautiful Christmas aromas are amongst us, I thought it would be a great reminder of the benefits of aromatherapy oils to further aliven your senses over this Christmas period. This blog was written by Denise.

Hippocrates the father of modern medicine said that, ” the way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day”. He recognised that inhaling certain aromatic substances offered protection from contagious diseases, and the use of essential oils is known to have a positive effect on blood circulation, which helps deliver nutrients to the tissues and remove wastes.

I have been enjoying having cleansing baths with a blend of aromatherapy oils which has reminded me of the strong medicinal effects of smell. We often think that aromatherapy oils just smell nice, without realising their strong therapeutic value.

Important concepts

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are balancers, oils that help us create a balance within the body, acting on the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine / hormonal system. Lemon for example, works on the autonomic nervous system acting as a sedative or tonic depending on the bodies need. Peppermint is another example of an adaptogen in that in can be either stimulating or relaxing depending on how the body uses the smell to generate a homeostatic response (achieve balance).

Synergy

Synergy is where the addition of two or more oils enhances their therapeutic effect, these synergistic blends are very particular and powerful. For example, the anti-inflammatory action of Chamomile is greatly enhanced by the addition of Lavender. It is important when blending to get the proportions correct for maximum benefit.

How to use aromatherapy oils

There are many ways aromatherapy oils can be used a few are listed below:

Method

Dosage

Directions

Perfume

Variable

There are two methods: you can simply dissolve aromatherapy oil in alcohol or carrier oil (such as almond oil) and apply to the body as you would perfume.

Tissue

1 drop

Sniff when required

Inhaled as a vapour

2-3 drops

Pour hot water into a bowl, add the aromatherapy oil, cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl with face about 250cm away and your eyes closed. Breathe deeply through the nose for about a minute

Bath

up to 8 drops

Run the bath, then add the oil. Close the door so that the vapours don’t escape. Soak for at least 10 min

Shower

up to 8 drops

Wash as usual, then add drops to your facecloth and rub briskly all over your body, whilst standing under the running water. Breathe deeply

Candles

1-2 drops

Light the candle then wait until wax is beginning to melt, then add to the melted wax. Aromatherapy oils are inflammable so be careful not to get onto wax

Room-sprays

4 drops per 300ml water

Use a new sprayer and warm but not boiling water. Put water in first then add oil and shake before use. Be careful, aromatherapy oil will damage wood furniture.

Rosemary –Physical and mental stimulant, good for muscular aches and antiseptic, use for study, in bath after a long tiring day to ease muscles, for colds and coughs, headaches and memory loss

Thyme – Antibiotic, antiseptic, antiviral, detoxifying (strong effects use with caution, don’t use undiluted and not on children), use in room diffuser or candle when someone has flu, for neuralgia and rheumatism

Clove – Antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic (don’t use undiluted on the skin), use for asthma and muscular disorders

Aromatherapy oils are powerful tools we can incorporate in our daily lives to deal with stress, keep the immune system strong and to disinfect and keep our homes free from germs. This post is based on a book by Valerie Ann Worwood, The Fragrant Pharmacy. An invaluable reference for using aromatherapy oils in all areas of our lives.

I hope you manage to incorporate some of these beautiful aromatherapy oils into your daily lives over this Christmas period. xx